Stop forgetting about the second-best pitcher on the Rockies

Every time someone writes about the Colorado Rockies' 28-year-old left-hander, they come to that exact conclusion. So how is it that, after a playoff appearance and embarking on what should be the most exciting season of baseball in Denver in a decade, nobody seems to remember the club's No. 2 starter?

Simply speaking: injuries.

But people also forget about Anderson because the way he pitches doesn't inspire the casual crank. He's been overshadowed since coming into the organization by Jon Gray, Eddie Buttler and many others with their high velocities, silky sliders and the oh-so-sought-after strikeouts.

But the hardcore fans of hurling could liken Anderson to a master painter with the way he's been able to spin the hardball over his entire professional career.

From a Texas League Pitcher of the Year honor to a 4.09 ERA in his first 200 injury-plagued and delayed innings, Anderson has fought through a lot to get here. And "here" in 2018 will be Gray's left-hand man, as Bud Black and company will count on the duet to get the Rockies past the Dodgers and a National League West crown.

That simple stat doesn't do Anderson enough justice and neither does his middle of the road 11-12 record, so let me try.